No one really thinks Jonathan Trott is the second best batsman of all time but that’s where he sits in the averages at the moment – sandwiched neatly between Bradman and Graeme Pollock – after another epic red-inker here at the MCG. Sure, Trott has only played 17 Tests for his 64 average and he’s bound to dip Mike Hussey style but on that list Pollock himself only played 23, George Headley 22, Eddie Paynter 20. Hussey actually averaged 82 after 17 Tests and is now down to 52. Trott strikes similar dread to opposition bowlers when he is at his attritional best.

This morning was a waiting game from the moment Matt Prior spooned to Ricky Ponting at mid-on, drawing a glare of disgust from Trott. Finally something good for Ponting – his meltdown yesterday was embarrassing. There is a definite feeling here that the poor form, poor team, the temper tantrum and the taunting from the Barmy Army might actually have an end game; we might be witnessing the final throes of a great career. This is not the way for Ponting to go out. I want a Ponting hundred and some Australian fight in their second innings.

Realistically Australia have no hope of getting anything out of this match, trailing by 415 on first innings with eight sessions to survive. They have a tough job even to last the remaining 74 overs today even though the Melbourne sun has finally got out of bed. Graeme Swann will come into the game, and Peter Siddle showed that there is enough uneven bounce and movement out there to make batting uncomfortable. Siddle’s 6 for 75 was a masterclass in perseverance, the best figures by an Aussie seamer since Jason Gillespie took 6 for 40 here 1o years ago. Australia must now show the discipline lacking in their first innings – more wafting outside off stump and the MCG cleaners will have the final two days off.